Read Beyoncé’s Advice for Women Who Want to Unleash Their Inner Beyoncé

Rarely has there been a female as universally worshipped as Beyoncé. She’s beautiful, talented, successful, rich, and confident—the kind of one-in-7-billion combination of aspirational qualities that can be used to entertain stadiums full of people and, alternately, inspire audiences to find their inner power. So when Beyoncé grants an interview and offers any kind of motivational advice about how one might live even slightly more like her, we listen.

In a new conversation with Elle, the Grammy winner suggests that society stop being so obsessed with attaining perfection.

“It’s really about changing the conversation,” she tells Elle. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about purpose,” she adds, explaining how women need to concentrate on how they function as opposed to how they look.

“We have to care about our bodies and what we put in them,” the onetime vegan continues. “Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health—take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you the way you see you, and treat you the way you treat yourself.”

(We pause to contemplate whether this means that Bey sees herself as the goddess we do.)

The mogul goes on to say that her new activewear line, Ivy Park, was created in part to “to celebrate every woman and the body she’s in while always striving to be better.” As for how she titled the collection, which will comprise about 200 separates, she said, “I called it Ivy Park because a park is our commonality. We can all go there; we’re all welcomed. It’s anywhere we create for ourselves. For me, it’s the place that my drive comes from. I think we all have that place we go to when we need to fight through something, set our goals and accomplish them.”

The new venture means that Beyoncé has yet another business for which she is responsible. And she is looking forward to the challenge even if she understands the “burden” that comes with being a boss.

“It’s exciting, but having the power to make every final decision and being accountable for them is definitely a burden and a blessing,” she says. “To me, power is making things happen without asking for permission. It’s affecting the way people perceive themselves and the world around them. It’s making people stand up with pride.”

Beyoncé

Photo: From left: by Kevin Winter, by Buda Mendes, and by Kevork Djansezian. All from Getty Images.

Giambattista Valli Gown

Catch some stares this wedding season and evoke pure glamour in this lavish, off-the-shoulder Giambattista Valli gown. Its asymmetric neckline adds the right amount of sex appeal and serves to balance the romantic floral feel. Make it the evening’s main attraction with your hair pulled back, minimal accessories, and a bold rouge lipstick.

Tabitha Simmons Pumps

Give yourself a sophisticated lift, with these pointy-toe Tabitha Simmons pumps. The black straps add a delicate edge to the sharp and classic white pump. A year-round investment you can slip on, with skinny jeans and a neutral T-shirt for day or an all-black ensemble for evening.

The Row Sunglasses

Unsure how to tackle the new season? Channel your inner John Lennon with these super-rad shades with brown lenses and leather-tipped arms from the Row. Echo the 70s in the city, with cream or army-green separates or on a beach getaway, with a knockout tan.

Givenchy Ear Cuff

Thankfully for us, ear cuffs have continued to stay under the fashion spotlight for quite sometime now and nothing channels rad like this Givenchy one. Definitely, a sparkling way to enjoy the cocktail hour. Wear it with your hair pulled back for maximum appeal.

Chloé Ring

In a season of pure metallic extravaganza, it’s only fitting to include a gold-tone, brass statement ring. This Chloé one showcases the right amount of detail, with a linear bar connecting the three bands—a definite stare-worthy detail. Make it your go-to piece of jewelry this season.

Gucci Swimsuit

Steal the limelight poolside, with this plum swimsuit. The idea of covering up with a one-piece is no longer just demure. Take for instance, Gucci’s plunging neck and low scoop-back suit, which perfectly measures elegance with sensuality. Just add an oversize straw hat and get ready to make a splash.

Beyoncé

From left: by Kevin Winter, by Buda Mendes, and by Kevork Djansezian. All from Getty Images.

Giambattista Valli Gown

Catch some stares this wedding season and evoke pure glamour in this lavish, off-the-shoulder Giambattista Valli gown. Its asymmetric neckline adds the right amount of sex appeal and serves to balance the romantic floral feel. Make it the evening’s main attraction with your hair pulled back, minimal accessories, and a bold rouge lipstick.

Tabitha Simmons Pumps

Give yourself a sophisticated lift, with these pointy-toe Tabitha Simmons pumps. The black straps add a delicate edge to the sharp and classic white pump. A year-round investment you can slip on, with skinny jeans and a neutral T-shirt for day or an all-black ensemble for evening.

The Row Sunglasses

Unsure how to tackle the new season? Channel your inner John Lennon with these super-rad shades with brown lenses and leather-tipped arms from the Row. Echo the 70s in the city, with cream or army-green separates or on a beach getaway, with a knockout tan.

Anndra Neen Clutch

This handcrafted vintage-like creation is the alternative clutch option for your evening repertoire. Feel free to personalize the lining on the inside, with a brightly colored silk scarf, and wear against neutrals to make the most out of its wicked design.

Monica Sordo Cuff

Glam it up with this super-size Monica Sordo gold cuff. This up-and-coming Venezuelan sure knows how to mix eclectic and glamorous with stud details that allude to the brand’s anything-but-average feel and the designer’s killer personal style. Roll up your sleeves and add impact to classic wear.

Stella McCartney Jean Shorts

Not a statement piece, but an essential one Beyoncé sure knows how to sport during off-duty days—remember that when investing in statement pieces, you shouldn’t neglect the basics. Welcome back the denim short and make these relaxed-fit Stella McCartneys your summer pair of choice. Stay away from heels and slip on some embellished sandals and a loose-fit top.

Gianvito Rossi Sandals

Just when we thought sandals couldn’t get any cooler, these Gianvito Rossis sure managed to re-invent footwear aesthetics. The honeycomb pattern and intricate design makes this pair the perfect garnish for every outfit. Make sure you wear them with monochrome separates and high hemlines.

Givenchy Ear Cuff

Thankfully for us, ear cuffs have continued to stay under the fashion spotlight for quite sometime now and nothing channels rad like this Givenchy one. Definitely, a sparkling way to enjoy the cocktail hour. Wear it with your hair pulled back for maximum appeal.

Chloé Ring

In a season of pure metallic extravaganza, it’s only fitting to include a gold-tone, brass statement ring. This Chloé one showcases the right amount of detail, with a linear bar connecting the three bands—a definite stare-worthy detail. Make it your go-to piece of jewelry this season.

Gucci Swimsuit

Steal the limelight poolside, with this plum swimsuit. The idea of covering up with a one-piece is no longer just demure. Take for instance, Gucci’s plunging neck and low scoop-back suit, which perfectly measures elegance with sensuality. Just add an oversize straw hat and get ready to make a splash.